Travel Manners To Teach Your Child That Go Beyond Traffic Rules

Every year, kids across the country celebrate Children’s Day in school amongst their friends and teachers. This year, however, as most children remain at home, celebrations will be different. For starters, there will be no special events in school; nor will they be able to meet their friends for a get-together or party. But since Children’s Day coincides with the festive holidays this year, quick family getaways are likely to be on the cards. So why not make upcoming trips more impactful by teaching your kids important travel manners?

An interesting fact, as per Ford’s Cartesy Survey, says that millennials are better at adhering to compliance and caution on the road, compared to their older counterparts. It’s evident that the younger generation is responsible and sensitive. And as kids become more accustomed to road trips, there’s no better time than the present to teach them how to become accountable travelers. Here are some important lessons to impart on them at an early age.

Say ‘No’ To Littering

It isn’t uncommon to see litter by the side of most roads. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Travelers – regardless of age – can do their part to eliminate this problem, and it all starts by teaching kids that tossing trash out of the window while travelling is wrong. Instead, encourage them to collect empty wrappers, packets, and the likes in a separate garbage bag while travelling, and dispose of the waste only when they find a dustbin.

Follow Safety Rules

Most parents will agree that kids often hop around the car, and it isn’t always easy to keep them seated on journeys. While this might seem fun to them, it can be dangerous. So, instil the habit of following road safety rules in your kids. Make sure they wear their seatbelt, lock the car door and refrain from putting their hands outside the window.

Children also often tend to climb over seats to take their possessions from the boot or glovebox while a car is in motion, and this can be risky too. Reminding them to keep whatever they need nearby before starting out can solve this problem. A spacious car like the Ford EcoSport, which has several smart storage compartments, can ensure space for every passenger to store and access their belongings with minimal hassle and maximum ease. This way, your kids can fetch whatever they want without leaving their seat.

Appreciate Diversity

Travelling opens the window to different cultures, culinary habits, and traditions. This always tends to amuse children. However, sometimes they might ridicule or belittle apparent cultural differences because of their lack of exposure, which can be disrespectful to the locals. So, teach your kids to appreciate diversity and embrace variety – be it food, language, clothes, or otherwise. This can help them inculcate compassion and empathy at an early age and thereby grow into more conscious human beings.

Accommodate Needs Of Fellow Travelers

As per Ford Cartesy Survey, 41% of drivers admitted to not taking an accident victim to the hospital. Similarly, 48% confessed that they would not stop to help a blind person. These statistics show the lack of compassion on Indian roads. You can change this by teaching your kids to be kind and sympathetic. While travelling, encourage them to accommodate and care for the needs of fellow travelers and passersby. Even something as simple as turning the volume of your music down when someone is asleep, stopping at zebra crossings so pedestrians can cross the road safely or giving room to elders at a sightseeing spot are habits that will go a long way in shaping your child’s behaviour and interaction with others.

Ask Questions, But Don’t Intrude

Children should be encouraged to ask as many questions as possible. However, teach them the difference between ‘being curious’ and ‘being intrusive’ while interacting with people during travels. For instance, while it is good for kids to ask native residents about the culture and traditions of a place, it may not be okay for them to probe into their personal mannerisms. Similarly, while driving, clarify their doubts about the car and its mechanics, but do not allow them to touch or inspect parts of your car while it is in motion.

Be Flexible & Realistic

Children can get cranky and over-demanding, especially when travelling. And if you constantly give in to their whims, it’s something they will expect when they get older too. So, lead by example and show them how to be flexible and co-operative while on the go. Teach them to have reasonable expectations and accept both – the good and bad of an experience. For example, road trips can come with great views, but can also be long and tiring. Teach them to enjoy holistically by accepting all situations.

Children Bring Out The Best In You

An interesting find in the Cartsey Report is that parents of teenagers show good road behaviour in terms of caution and compassion as they want to be role models and demonstrate the right behaviour in front of their kids. While this is a positive sign, it is also necessary for you to pinpoint certain travel habits, like the ones mentioned above while raising your children. This way, they will continue to be responsible travellers even when they grow up and travel on their own.

If you want to make learning fun for your child, don’t forget to download a copy of Ford’s Discover More Comic Book on Safety here.